Hunter breeders celebrate foaling season

The first foals of 2012 have arrived at Hunter Valley thoroughbred studs, with the industry optimistic about the months ahead.

Several foals have come early, ahead of the official start of the season tomorrow.

Yarraman Park Stud is expecting 140 new additions this year and breeder Arthur Mitchell says they should thrive thanks to good pasture growth.

"Luckily in the last few weeks we've had a couple of inches of rain, so it's made the valley look pretty good and all our pastures are growing, so on that side of the season, it's looking pretty good," he said.

But thoroughbred breeders say while the industry is performing quite well at the moment, it is becoming increasingly difficult for broodmare owners to make a profit.

Mr Mitchell says many people in the industry are struggling due to excessive costs.

"Service fees on the whole are too high, so once a horse gets successful they price them out, especially for people who are breeding to sell," he said.

"Costs in general are creeping up across the board, making it harder for the brood mare owner to make a profit."